Liver Diseases from Viral Infection

Viral infections are a predominant cause of liver disease around the world, impacting millions with conditions ranging from mild inflammation to severe liver damage and cancer. Diseases caused by hepatotropic viruses such as Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and Hepatitis D (HDV), as well as by other viruses including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and newer threats like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, pose significant challenges in clinical and therapeutic realms. These pathogens lead to a variety of liver pathologies through direct viral effects on hepatocytes and through complex interactions with the host's immune system. In cases of co-infection, where multiple viruses infect the liver simultaneously, pathological outcomes can worsen, presenting unique challenges in diagnosis, management, and treatment. This Research Topic aims to delve into the specific molecular and immunological pathways through which viral infections and co-infections influence liver disease, aiming to highlight potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for advanced intervention strategies.

The goal of this Research Topic is to deepen our understanding of how co-infections by hepatitis viruses and other viral agents influence liver pathology and systemic immune responses. We aim to investigate the multi-dimensional impacts of viral replication, immune response modulation, and hepatocyte function within the context of viral co-infections. The insights gathered will ideally point towards novel therapeutic strategies and biomarkers, ultimately guiding the development of effective interventions that reduce liver damage and prevent disease progression in those affected by complex viral infections.

We invite high-quality submissions that explore the intricate relationships between viral infections and liver diseases, with a particular emphasis on the interactions between hepatitis viruses and other viral agents. Contributions may address, but are not limited to, the following themes:
o Molecular and Cellular Pathogenesis: Examination of disease mechanisms in co-infections involving utilitarian viruses.
o Immune Response Modulation: Analysis of altered immune landscapes and cellular responses in co-infected liver environments.
o Hepatocyte Function and Persistence: Insights into the role and resilience of liver cells under multiplex viral attacks.
o Fibrosis, Cirrhosis, and HCC Development: Investigations into how viral synergies escalate progression to more severe liver conditions.
o Therapeutic Strategies: Development and validation of interventions targeting the intricate facets of viral co-infections.
o Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Monitoring: Identification and validation of markers crucial for recognizing and tracking disease progression.
o Liver Regeneration and Personalized Medicine: Studies on liver repair mechanisms and tailored treatment approaches in the context of viral co-infections.